Chargers loaded with optimism

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By Chris Greene

The Daily Reporter - Coldwater, MI

By Chris Greene

Posted Mar. 13, 2013 at 9:00 AM

By Chris Greene

Posted Mar. 13, 2013 at 9:00 AM

Hillsdale, Mich.

Hillsdale Daily NewsHILLSDALE — It’s March, spring is in the air, and as every good fan knows, spring means baseball.After an uninspiring 14-35 record in 2012, the Hillsdale College baseball team have a lot to prove, but they seem determined to win this year. Senior third baseman Scott Lantis called this "the most talented Hillsdale College baseball team I’ve ever been on."After a 5-3 start, including an incredible 2-1 upset of the third-ranked University of Tampa Spartans, Lantis’ exuberance seems warranted.A core group of seniors return to the team this year, including pitcher Kris Morris (0-2, 3 strikeouts, 5.11 earned run average, 12.1 innings), catcher Brad Hayden (.286 batting average, .333 on base percentage, .429 slugging percentage), third baseman Scott Lantis (.238 BA/.360 OBP/.286 SLG), and right fielder Mike Vanchieri (.286 BA/.360 OBP/.476 SLG). The group provides a solid foundation for the team and also brings much needed experience to the table.The lifeblood of the 2013 Chargers, however, will be the new players. Led by sensational starter Lucas Hamelink (1 -0, 8 strikeouts, 2.70 ERA, 10 innings), the 18 new freshmen are set to have a dramatic impact on Hillsdale’s team."We want to come in and really make a splash," said Hamelink. "We have a ton of young talent and we want to show that Hillsdale has a strong baseball program."Hamelink helped demonstrate exactly that when he shut down the Spartans in his collegiate debut, allowing only four hits and one unearned run while striking out five over the course of five innings.While Hamelink’s performance certainly inspires hope in his abilities, other freshmen are putting their skills on display as well.Following in Hamelink’s footsteps, Chris McDonald won his first collegiate start against the State University of New York at Canton. He went five innings, giving up only four hits and three runs.Center fielder Lucas Ortel only has six hits thus far, but five have gone for extra bases, and he has already driven in four runs for the Chargers.Lincoln Reed has also driven in four runs and projects as Hillsdale’s starting designated hitter.First baseman Geordy Smith’s first collegiate hit was a two run home run in the bottom of the third inning against SUNY-Canton. His .588 slugging percentage is Hillsdale’s second best.Tad Sobieszczanski is putting together a strong case for starting every game in left field, leading the team in batting average (.562), on-base percentage (.611), and slugging percentage (.750) over six games.All six of these freshmen project as starters for the Chargers and ought to continue to improve throughout this year and beyond. The amount of talent from this class will provide Hillsdale a boost this season, and a solid foundation to build on in the foreseeable future.Sophomore relief pitcher Dan Pochmara and sophomore shortstop Nolan Breymaier will both feature prominently on the team this year as well.The only question marks for Hillsdale are at second base and left field. Freshman Zac Northrup and sophomore Vinny Delicata will likely split time at second base, while freshmen Connor Bartlett and junior Adam Ladzinsk will compete with Tad Sobieszczanski for playing time in left.When asked to comment on the team’s greatest strength, Hillsdale coach Paul Noce looked to his bench."This year we have more depth," Noce said.After struggling due to injuries last year (and having already lost key pitcher Matthew Reck to a knee injury this year), depth is a very good thing. Thanks to 18 talented new players, Noce is confident in his ability to field a competitive team all season long."We just look like a completely different team from last year," said senior pitcher Michael Keve.The Chargers’ home opener is on Wednesday, March 20 at 2 p.m. against the Grand Valley State University Lakers.